Moonlit Memories

Standing still in the breeze she closed her eyes and smiled as the wind ruffled her hair. Here, alone on the top of the hill outside her family home, she felt at peace. There was no one to bother her, no one to interrupt her musings with a sarcastic comment, no one to disturb her. Here she could truly be herself.

It was nearly midnight and she moved to sit on the grass, the blanket already laid out.

Over the years it had become a tradition to come out here, on her own, on the eve of her birthday. The first year after her mother had died her father had asked her if she wanted him to come. She'd declined. Coming out here made her feel closer to her mum for a short time every year and she wanted to keep it like that.

Falling back onto her back on the blanket she looked up at the stars and counted off the ones she knew automatically, remembering the comments and rhymes her mum made up to help her remember.

She smiled as those thoughts led to other memories and soon she realised she'd been outside for much longer than usual. Standing up, she folded the blanket and headed back to the house. No doubt her father would be up and waiting for her.

Not every day

Luna quickly brushed her hair into a ponytail, slipping on her shoes as she did. Grasping the door handle she hurried down the corridor and down the stairs jumping the last three. She was late for breakfast and she knew how Molly could get when it came to serving food.

"Sorry I'm late," she said softly as she sat down on the only empty chair in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place.

"Not to worry, dear," Molly said as she cooked something, her back to Luna.

Looking around the kitchen she noticed that all the occupants of the table were looking toward her with smiles on their faces.

What... do they know it's..., she thought to herself.

"Happy Birthday, Luna," Harry said, handing her a badly wrapped present and kissing her cheek. "Hope you like it, I'm rubbish at wrapping, sorry." He smiled cheekily and moved away from her so Ginny could hug her from behind.

"Happy birthday, Luna!" Ginny said in a sing-song voice. "You thought we didn't know."

Luna bit her lip. She hadn't hidden it per se, just neglected to mention it to anyone. They were in the middle of a war after all.

"I didn't want to cause a fuss," she protested softly.

"Nonsense!" Molly exclaimed from the other end of the kitchen. "It's not everyday you turn sixteen!"

Luna smiled as the others agreed and received a few more gifts and birthday hugs from Ron, Hermione and the twins.

"Now," Molly said, "Close your eyes please, Luna."

Doing as she was bid, she closed her eyes and heard a few quiet murmurs before everyone in the room started singing. Opening her eyes she saw Molly had put a huge cake on the table in front of her, magical flames spelling out 'Luna' and 'Happy Birthday'.

She smiled and clapped when everyone had finished signing. "I... thank you!" she said.

"Now make a wish," Molly said from over her shoulder, giving it a quick pat as she did.

Nodding Luna bent forward and took a deep breath. I know what I'll wish... she thought, lets just hope it comes true.